The Maharashtra government has declared Jawhar, Mokhada and Talasari talukas of Palghar district drought-affected for the 2026 kharif season, bringing relief measures for farmers and tribal families in the three areas, the district administration said on Wednesday.
The decision is part of the state’s expanded drought declaration, which now covers 305 of Maharashtra’s 358 talukas, or more than 85 per cent of the state’s total. The government added 40 talukas to the list on October 14 following assessments of drought conditions and complaints from affected regions.
Rainfall deficit prompts drought declaration
According to the Palghar district administration, the declaration follows the criteria outlined in the Drought Management Manual, 2016. The assessment considered rainfall deficiencies recorded during the monsoon season, with the government extending the drought-hit status to the three talukas.
The areas are predominantly tribal and include communities dependent on agriculture for their livelihoods. The declaration makes eligible farmers and families entitled to a range of concessions intended to ease the financial impact of crop losses and water shortages.
Farmers to receive loan and revenue concessions
The relief measures include concessions on land revenue, restructuring of crop loans and postponement of agricultural loan repayments. Electricity-related concessions for agricultural pumps have also been included in the package.
The measures are intended to provide temporary financial relief to cultivators facing difficulties following inadequate rainfall. The district administration said the government had approved the concessions for affected farmers and tribal households in the three talukas.
Education fees waived, employment rules relaxed
The package also includes waivers of examination fees for school and college students from affected areas. Employment Guarantee Scheme rules have been relaxed to expand opportunities for local employment, allowing rural households to access work closer to their villages.
Authorities have also been directed to make arrangements for drinking water for residents and livestock. Foodgrain and fodder distribution are among the measures outlined to support families and livestock owners affected by the drought.
Crop damage surveys to begin immediately
District Collector Indu Rani Jakhar said survey teams would begin conducting crop damage assessments, known as panchnamas, in Jawhar, Mokhada and Talasari.
The teams will photograph crop conditions and record GPS coordinates to document losses and prepare crop situation reports for submission to the Commissioner of Agriculture. The assessments are expected to help authorities establish the extent of crop damage and process eligible relief.
The declaration comes as Maharashtra expands its drought response across districts.
(With inputs from PTI)
